A New Home, A Continued Mission: 14th ASOS TACP Receives Hero Home
The home marked a significant milestone in a recovery that began with an unexpected change in mission. Following the January accident, Fitzpatrick shifted his focus from supporting the 82nd Airborne Division to rebuilding his own strength through physical therapy and rehabilitation, while continuing to support the Airmen around him.
“I am currently in physical therapy and rehabilitation for my injuries, so I can’t actually do my job,” Fitzpatrick said. “However, I am there for my fellow Airmen, whenever they need me to ensure they can operate at the highest level.”
His recovery has been supported by a network of Airmen, medical professionals and organizations that stepped in following the accident. Leadership at the 14th ASOS connected Fitzpatrick with Air Force Wounded Warrior, which ultimately led him to Operation: Coming Home and the opportunity to become the recipient of Hero Home 30.
Staff Sgt. Timothy Hyland, a 14th ASOS TACP Strike Team Operator, learned about Fitzpatrick’s injury through the team’s group chat. His response was simple: find a way to help.
“My priorities once I found out was to make sure I could do whatever I could to help him,” Hyland said.
That meant checking in, bringing Fitzpatrick food and making sure he had what he needed. One of those meals came in the form of Fitzpatrick’s favorite cereal, Cocoa Pebbles. Support did not stop just within Fitzpatrick’s own squadron, it extended beyond his teammates.
Sandi Vest, a True North and licensed clinical social worker embedded with the 14th ASOS, provides mental health consultation, education and clinical services to the squadron’s active-duty members. Her office is located within the squadron, allowing her to work directly alongside Airmen and build relationships within the formation. For Fitzpatrick, that network became an important part of his recovery.
“The 93 AGOW community and most importantly the 14 ASOS has provided leadership support from the moment the injury occurred,” Fitzpatrick said. “From career discussions with leadership and our 1st Shirt providing me with the resources on Pope AFB, they have been nothing short of amazing and helpful.”
The squadron also connected him with Air Force Wounded Warrior, where he gained access to additional resources and support.
“At the squadron my Human Performance Staff of physical therapists, social workers, and strength coaches have been making the rehab process as smooth as possible,” Fitzpatrick said.
Through Air Force Wounded Warrior, Fitzpatrick was connected with Operation: Coming Home.
The organization, led by Andrew Ladner, selects injured service members and families of fallen service members to receive specially built homes. Fitzpatrick was nominated through the Air Force Wounded Warrior program before participating in interviews with the Wake County Home Builders Association and the Operation: Coming Home board. He was ultimately selected as the recipient of Hero Home 30.
Ladner, president of Operation: Coming Home and the United States Veterans Corps, said Fitzpatrick’s injury was the reason he was selected.
“This is our 30th house,” Ladner said. “We do this for injured and widows of the fallen.”
Operation Coming Home follows a process that includes identifying and interviewing candidates, revealing the selected recipient, holding a groundbreaking event, which culminates with the key ceremony.
The ceremony served as the final step, turning months of planning into a tangible milestone for Fitzpatrick.
Ladner described the ceremony included military tributes and community support as Fitzpatrick received the keys to his new home. The house gives Fitzpatrick a place to continue his recovery, but he sees the meaning behind it extending far beyond the walls.
“I just want to say thank you to them for helping change my life in the most positive way possible after such a tragic accident,” Fitzpatrick said. “The fact they choose to serve the people who want to defend the country speaks volumes to their character.”
While his recovery continues, Fitzpatrick hopes sharing his experience will encourage other Airmen facing serious injuries to seek the support available to them.
“It is important to share my story so other Airmen know that when accidents happen, there will be a large team to stand behind them and help lift them back up,” Fitzpatrick said.
His own journey back to health will take time, but the support surrounding him has given him confidence in what comes next.
“My journey back to average health is going to be a long process, but I know it won’t be a lonely one from the resources provided to me,” Fitzpatrick said. “To anyone who is dealing with serious injury, just know that the people available to them are always ready to help, so don’t be scared to reach out.”
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